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Mark 8

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

What does Mark 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Mark 8:27 presents a moment during Jesus’s ministry where He leads His disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, away from the crowds that typically surrounded them.

Here, Jesus seeks to understand the public’s perception of His identity by asking His disciples about the common opinions of the people.

This passage launches into a pivotal point where Jesus begins to reveal more explicitly to His disciples His true nature and mission.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Caesarea Philippi, located to the north of the Sea of Galilee, was a place known for its pagan worship and Hellenistic culture.

It was named after Caesar Augustus and Herod Philip the tetrarch who rebuilt the city.

In a region marked by Roman influence and polytheistic practices, the question of Jesus's identity would carry significant weight, differentiating Him from the various gods and figures of the time.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse is often regarded as a turning point in the Gospel narrative.

Jesus’s question about His identity sets the stage for Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ.

Different denominations interpret this passage through various lenses, focusing on the christological identity of Jesus, the disciples' understanding, and the implications of the contrasting viewpoints between the public's perception and Jesus’s true nature.

Practical Applications

This verse can prompt personal reflection about one's understanding of who Jesus is and the importance of not relying solely on society's opinions.

It can also inspire believers to have direct conversations about faith with others and to seek a personal relationship with Jesus that goes beyond public perceptions or hearsay.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:13-16: Jesus questions His disciples similarly in Matthew's account, leading to Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah.
John 6:67-69: Similar to the passage in Mark, Jesus asks if His disciples will leave Him, prompting a confession of faith from Peter.
Acts 9:5: Saul (Paul) encounters Jesus and realizes His divine identity as Jesus asks, "Why persecutest thou me?"

Language Study

The key term in this passage is the word "I" (Greek: ἐγώ, ego), emphasizing Jesus’ personal inquiry into His identity.

Additionally, "say" (Greek: λέγουσιν, legousin) indicating the general conversation and opinions about Jesus among the people.

The word "men" (Greek: οἱ ἄνθρωποι, hoi anthropoi) refers to humanity or the populace at large.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The questioning of identity echoes through various religious traditions where the role and identity of spiritual leaders and gods are central.

In Greek mythology, figures often undergo challenges that test their identity.

Similarly, in other ancient Near Eastern religions, the recognition and understanding of a deity’s identity are crucial components of worship and relationship.

Scientific Perspectives

From a historical-scientific perspective, this verse would be evaluated for its cultural authenticity and consistency with what is known from archaeological and literary sources about the region of Caesarea Philippi, social structures, and the diversity of religious beliefs at that time.

Commentaries

Commentators have varied in their perspectives on this verse.

Some focus on the geographical and political significance of Caesarea Philippi as the backdrop for such a personal and profound inquiry.

Others reflect on the disciples' responses as contrasting human expectations with divine reality.

Classic commentaries by theologians like John Calvin emphasize the necessity of Christ revealing Himself to His followers progressively.

Contemporary scholars might approach the verse by analyzing its narrative function in Mark's Gospel, seeing it as either a historical event or a theological exposition crafted by the author.

Mark 8

Mark 8

What does Mark 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?